CHRISTMASVILLE

by

Steven Clark

© 2018

Steamroller138@gmail.com

FADE IN:

INT. FACTORY - DAY

Christmas decorations grace the walls of a busy factory floorwhere EMPLOYEES man lathes and routers, boring holes andslicing plywood.

DALE (V.O.)My name is Dale Leith. This is where Iwork. Or worked. You see, in about twominutes I'm getting fired. Can youbelieve that? Eight days beforeChristmas and I'm getting canned.

LOADING DOCK

DALE LEITH (38), bundled for the cold and not appearing toointerested in his work, marks a clipboard as a FORKLIFT dropsoff a pallet.

DALE (V.O.)I'm not a woodworker. I mean, I am.Technically. I worked with my fatherfor many years, may he rest in peace.He had a shop in town. But here? Overhere I'm shipping and receiving. Allthings said, that's just fine by me.

Dale paces to the open bay doors where, just below a ridge atthe edge of the property, he looks upon the...

TOWN

His town. CHURCH STEEPLES rise above the trees, Mom and Popstores dot a quaint MAIN STREET. This is small town life atits finest.

DALE (V.O.)I've lived here all my life. MarriedTabitha fifteen years ago this August.We had a daughter first, then a son.Emily and Michael.

Dale heaves a heavy sigh, leaving a vapor trail in the air.

2.

DALE (V.O.)Michael's eight. He's a great kid.Smart. Funny. I love him to pieces.Told his third grade teacher thatfractions were an assault on hissanity. And Emily? She's twelve.

(beat)Or would have been...had she lived.

INT. WORKOUT ROOM - CONTINUOUS

SANTA CLAUS, wearing red spandex and a green headband, pumpsaway furiously on an ELLIPTICAL machine, sweating bullets.

DALE (V.O.)I suspect you all know who this guyis. However, you might be wonderingtwo things: How in the world do I knowhim? And why on Earth is he on anelliptical machine?

INT. FACTORY - LOADING DOCK - DAY

A FINGER taps Dale's shoulder. It's HERB (50s), his boss.

HERBGot a minute, Dale?

Close on Dale, and...

DALE (V.O.)Sometimes, more minutes than a man canbear.

HERB'S OFFICE

Herb sits behind a neat desk. Dale across from him.

HERBNo easy way to say this, Dale. Thecompany's decided to make a change.We're laying you off.

DALECome again?

3.

HERBI said, we're laying you off.

DALEYeah, I heard that part.

HERBDale, I'm sorry...

DALEIs it because of the Messing account?You know that was a typo, right?

HERBNo, no, no. It wasn't the--well, thatwas kind of messed up, but, no.

DALEThen what? Is there something I'm notdoing that I need to? I'll do it. Youknow me. I'll work harder. I'll--

HERBDale, they're making cuts to balancecost. Business is slow. You've gotfour years in. Everyone else has more.I'm sorry, Dale. However, I did manageto procure you a severance check andyour holiday bonus.

(beat)You're welcome.

Dale. Stunned. Glassy-eyed. Agitated.

DALEGee, thanks.

EXT. TOWN - MAIN STREET - DAY

Dale, downtrodden, paces the sidewalk. All the shops displaywreaths and colorful lights. Lamp posts are strung withgarland, and the church bells ring.

SAL LACONE (60s) climbs down a ladder out front of hisHARDWARE STORE.

4.

SALHey there, Dale.

DALEWhat's the good word, Sal?

SAL(shrugs)

Eight days till Christmas and I ain'tbought a single present. Thank God forgift certificates.

Dale peers into the store next to Sal's. A FOR LEASE signhangs in the fogged-out window. The storefront reads:

LEITH WOODWORKING

SALYou considering it?

DALE(shakes his head)

I don't know why they just don't rentit out already.

SAL(wistful)

Maybe they're waiting for the rightbuyer. Know what I mean? Your fatherwas a good man, Dale. Hard to believeit's been six years already.

Down the street, in the...

TOWN SQUARE

A group of PEOPLE decorate a fifteen foot Douglas Fir withlights and ornaments.

SALTree lighting's soon.

DALEI can see that.

5.

SALTabitha making her cookies?

DALEOh, yeah. She wouldn't miss it.

SALTruth be told, I think the biggertradition 'round here are your wife'sChristmas cookies. You're a lucky man.

DALESo she tells me. Well, I'll see youaround, Sal.

SAL(winks)

That supposed to be a threat?

EXT. DALE'S HOUSE - NIGHT

A tidy-looking Craftsman tucked in among the bare treebranches. Smoke rises from its chimney.

INT. DALE'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - SAME

A box full of bells, bows and ribbons. TABITHA LEITH (36),attractive with barely any effort, sorts though the ornaments.

Stringing lights on the tree is MICHAEL (8), cute in his PJ's,earnest in his task.

A set of lights flicker out.

MICHAELThese lights are out.

TABITHAThere's another set on the table.

Michael goes to the table where a tangled mess awaits.

MICHAELDaddy?

6.

Dale sits in a recliner, chin resting in his hand, in front ofa TV he's not even pretending to watch.

MICHAELDaddy, these lights are tangled.

DALEThrow them out. I'll get new onestomorrow.

Tabitha looks up, not pleased by that response.

TABITHAMichael, honey. Why don't you goupstairs and brush your teeth? We cansort all this out tomorrow. Okay?

MICHAELAw, Mom.

She kisses his forehead.

TABITHAGo on. I'll be up in a little while toread to you.

Michael goes to kiss his father goodnight. Dale snaps out ofhis stupor long enough to hug Michael just a little too tight,and just a little too long.

DALEGoodnight, my boy.

MICHAELGoodnight, Daddy.

Michael trundles upstairs.

Tabitha watches him go, grabs the remote and shuts off the TV.

DALEHey, I was watching that.

7.

TABITHAWhat's wrong with you? You've beenmoping around ever since you got home.

DALEI'm not moping.

(then)They laid me off today.

TABITHAThey what?

DALEThey laid me off at work.

The realization hits her hard.

TABITHAOh, no. Why? Was it because of theMessing account? It was the Messingaccount, wasn't it?

DALENo, it wasn't the Messing account. Andthat was a typo, by the way. Theyjust...made cuts. I was one of them.

TABITHAOh, Dale, I'm so sorry. Maybe I cantalk to Herb's wife? I cut her hair.Maybe I can help get your job back?

(he's waving her off)But, this is not right. It's eightdays before Christmas, Dale! This...

Dale shuffles to the mantle above the fireplace, where a seaof family photos sit. He focuses on one in particular.

INSERT: PHOTO

A family portrait. Michael, Tab and Dale.

They're all happy, and everything is good.

8.

However, sitting next to Dale is a smiling eight-year-oldtreasure, with a twinkle in her eye, and a smile as pure as aninfant's slumber.

Her name is EMILY.

BACK TO SCENE

TABITHADale?

DALEShe would have been twelve.

TABITHAWhat?

DALEEmily would have been twelve. I guessthings would have been a lot differentif we hadn't lost her.

Tabitha keeps her distance.

TABITHAYou think losing Emily has somethingto do with losing your job?

DALENo, no. It's just...

Tabitha's seen this before. She knows she has to rein him in.

TABITHADale, this is just bad timing. That'sall this is. But, we got this. Youhear me? We got this.

(then)Who knows-- It might even be ablessing in disguise.

DALEHow do you figure that?

9.

TABITHAYour father's shop has been sittingvacant for years. Maybe it's time.

Dale's already shaking his head.

TABITHABut, why? You're so good with yourhands, and you're just as talented asyour father was. Even more so.

Dale goes to speak. There's a pained look on his face.

DALEIt just doesn't feel right yet. It...

TABITHADale, you can't go around carryingthis weight forever. This...guilt youstill feel over what happened withEmily. It wasn't your fault.

DALE(avoiding eye contact)

Yeah, well... I'll find another job inthe meantime.

Not the answer she wanted, but--

TABITHAI know you will.

Tabitha's disappointed. Just the same, she gives him a hug anda kiss, says goodnight, then heads upstairs.

Dale stands in place for a moment. Expressionless. He slowlymakes his way to the table, and picks up the muddled set ofChristmas lights, and stares at them.

INT. DALE'S HOUSE - BEDROOM - NIGHT

Tabitha's sound asleep. Dale beside her, wide awake.

A digital alarm clock reads 4:44AM. The last four changes to afive, launching Dale out of bed.

10.

EXT. TOWN - MAIN STREET - MORNING

Just before sunrise, stores are still closed, save for the redand blue neons of MARONE'S LUNCHEONETTE.

INT. MARONE'S LUNCHEONETTE - MORNING

Bells jangle as the door opens. Dale walks in to find thedining room dim, and chairs atop the tables.

Bacon and sausage sizzle on the grill.

Behind the counter is PETE MARONE (60s), a well-seasonedbusiness owner with thick glasses and a gut to match. Heglances up from wiping the counter.

Dale takes a faded HELP WANTED sign and slides it along thecounter to Pete.

DALEStill looking for help?

Pete sniffles, grins, continues wiping.

PETEIs Santa a jolly old Elf?

EXT. DALE'S HOUSE - DAY

Tabitha and Michael curbside. A SCHOOL BUS rolls up. A hug, akiss, and off he goes. She waves as the bus pulls away, thentakes out her phone and calls Dale.

She waits, but there's no answer. She clicks off, and headsback to the house, perplexed and concerned.

INT. MARONE'S LUNCHEONETTE - DAY

Burgers sizzle on the grill alongside sputtering eggs.

Dale flips a burger onto a bun and plates it. He works thislike it's old hat, which is good because it's busy today.

ELIZABETH, a waitress in her forties whose name everyoneknows, grabs the plate, impressed.

11.

ELIZABETHYou've done this before, haven't you?

DALE(grinning)

Beginner's luck?

She flashes a sly grin and hurries off into the organizedchaos of the dining room.

EXT. MARONE'S LUNCHEONETTE - LATER

Dale stands out back behind the store, sipping from a steamingstyrofoam cup.

The door opens.

DALEHey, Pete.

Pete grabs his hip and groans.

PETEEver had a hip replacement, Dale?

Dale shakes his head.

PETEMe either.

DALESo, am I hired?

PETEYeah, sure. You're hired. You did agood job back in there.

DALEThanks.

PETEI heard about them letting you go.Over at the factory? That's a toughbreak around this time of year.

12.

DALENews travels fast, huh?

PETEIt's a small town, son.

(he turns to go, then)Your wife let you cook at home?

DALEOnly on days that end in 'no.'

INT. PRETTY THINGS SALON - DAY

Four chairs, three WOMEN working them. Three OLD LADIESgetting their hair done.

At the first chair stands GAYLE HODGINS (50), the shop'sowner. She's a perky redhead who always takes care to lookher best.

Tabitha slides in, phone to hear ear. She hangs up.

TABITHASorry I'm late.

GAYLEHi, sugar.

Tabitha passes MINDY (30s), the receptionist, as she takes abite of a sandwich.

MINDYOh, my God. Tabitha. Your husband issuch a good cook.

TABITHAHuh?

GAYLEYou should have told us. We orderedlunch from Marone's, and there's Daleworking the grill.

Tabitha inspects the room. Everyone's got food.

13.

EXT. TOWN - MAIN STREET - DAY

Tabitha pounds the sidewalk, checking storefronts until shecomes to Marone's. She peers through the window and, aspromised, there's Dale.

INT. MARONE'S LUNCHEONETTE - DAY

Dale pulls a ticket, plates a BLT, turns and--

DALELiz, your food is--

There's Tabitha, staring him down.

DALEReady.

She lifts her eyebrows, crinkles her forehead.

TABITHAHi.

INT. DALE'S HOUSE - KITCHEN - NIGHT

Tabitha opens the stove and checks dinner, then reaches intothe cabinet to get some plates.

TABITHAYou didn't think to call me? I had tohear about your new job from the girlsat work.

Dale sits at the table with Michael, checking his school work.

DALEI'm sorry, Tab. The day just kindahappened, you know?

TABITHAWell, I was worried about you. Goneall morning. I thought you'ddisappeared.

14.

DALEI'd never just disappear.

The stove DINGS.

MICHAELDaddy, I don't get this.

DALE(looks over the work)

I don't blame you. Where's thecalculator?

Tabitha removes a casserole from the oven.

TABITHANo calculators.

MICHAELBut, it's easier with a calculator.

TABITHAAnd that's precisely why I don't wantyou to use one. Some things you justgotta figure out.

INT. CAR (MOVING) - DAY

Dale at the wheel. Through the windshield, the sun peeks frombehind the bare tree branches. Close on Dale as--

FLASHBACK

INT. CAR (MOVING) - DAY

Similar day, a few years ago. Dale driving, but this timeEmily is his passenger.

EXT. CAR (MOVING) - SAME

The car travels down a busy road, stops at a light. And,nearby, at...

15.

ANOTHER STREET

A BOX TRUCK rumbles past. Its DRIVER (30s) shields his eyesfrom the wicked sun.

DALE'S CAR

The light turns green. Dale gently taps the gas and...

BACK TO SCENE

INT. MARONE'S LUNCHEONETTE - KITCHEN - DAY

Dale dices tomatoes on a work table as Pete enters and dropsan envelope in front of him.

PETEFirst paycheck, Dale. I threw in alittle something for the holidays.

DALEPete, you didn't have to do that.

PETEI know. But I did anyway.

Dale stuffs the envelope in his pocket.

DALEThanks.

PETEYou bet. Hey look, finish up, willyou? I wanna close up sometime today.

DALEOkay.

Dale resumes cutting, a strange little smile on his face,when--

He SHRIEKS in pain, and grabs at his hand.

16.

INT. EMERGENCY ROOM - DAY

Dale's hand, palm-up on a table, as a NURSE in her thirtieswraps it in gauze.

NURSEYou really did a number on yourself.

DALECan I work with this?

NURSEI wouldn't recommend it. It needs timeto heal properly. Last thing you wantare for those stitches to open.

EXT. EMERGENCY ROOM - PARKING LOT - LATER

Dale heads to his car, clicks his key fob, which produces aBEEP from his car. He looks out across a sunny blue sky.

On any other day this is a rather peaceful scene.

Dale raises his good hand, goes to bring it down in anger onthe hood of his car. He stops short and breathes, hisfrustration clear as he opens the door and gets in.

EXT. DALE'S HOUSE - MORNING

A light dusting of snow on the ground.

INT. DALE'S HOUSE - BATHROOM - MORNING

Dale in front of the mirror. His bad hand rests on the sink ashe carefully removes the dressing.

TITLE: 4 Days Before Christmas

Michael appears in the doorway.

MICHAELWhatcha doing, Daddy?

DALETaking this thing off.

17.

He unwraps the last of it, revealing a horrid set of stitchesrunning between his thumb and forefinger.

He tries to make a fist and winces.

MICHAELThat looks gross.

DALEDoesn't feel so hot, either.

Tabitha joins Michael, her reaction just as unpleasant.

TABITHAEww. Dale, that looks awful.

DALEIt is what it is. I'm gonna try and goback to work.

TABITHAYou can't work like that. You're gonnascare everyone.

DALEIs that a reference to my cooking?

She smiles playfully.

TABITHAYes.

DALEI don't know. I just feel socompletely useless.

TABITHAYou're not completely useless.

DALE(smirking)

You got any errands for me to run?

Tabitha looks down at Michael, kisses the top of his head.

18.

TABITHAAs a matter of fact, I do.

EXT. MALL - DAY

Cold December air. So many PEOPLE coming and going. It'sChristmas shopping full tilt.

A SALVATION ARMY SANTA rings a bell.

Dale exits the mall, struggling with numerous shopping bags.He stops at the curb, scans the parking lot as a bag slipsfrom his hand.

SALVATION ARMY SANTALooks like you've got more than youcan handle, friend.

Dale groans as he picks up the bag.

DALEI'd be doing a lot better if I couldremember where I parked the car.

SALVATION ARMY SANTAWhere's your wife?

DALEAt work.

SALVATION ARMY SANTAWives are better at finding thingsthan we are, you know.

DALESo, I've heard.

Dale looks up, where the first flurries begin to tumble fromthe sky.

Salvation Army Santa leans in.

SALVATION ARMY SANTAHey, can you do me a favor?

19.

EXT. MALL - MOMENTS LATER

Dale stands by the pot, staring bemusedly at the bell in hishand. He rings it a couple times, checks his watch.

Salvation Army Santa returns, adjusting his pants.

SALVATION ARMY SANTAThanks. Shouldn't have had that secondcup of coffee.

EXT. COUNTRY ROAD - DAY

Dale's car chugs along the empty road. The snow's heavy, andit's sticking.

INT. CAR - DAY

The wipers do their best, but it's hard to see.

A sharp turns looms ahead.

Dale cuts the wheel. The brakes lock. The car slides.

DALEWhoa. Whoa!

EXT. COUNTRY ROAD - DAY

The road twists left, but Dale's car goes straight. Now itfish-tails, smashing into a guard rail. But that doesn't stopit -- the guard rail breaks in two.

The car slashes through, approaching a steep embankment.

INT. CAR

The car slices down the hill, tree branches slapping it fromevery angle. Dale tenses. Can't speak. This is it. No time toreact. No time to--

CRASH!

20.

EXT. DALE'S HOUSE - DAY

Tabitha's on her phone by the curb, waiting for the bus. Itrings and rings, but there's no answer.

Down the street, the bus comes around the corner. It pulls up.Air brakes hiss. Michael hops off.

BUS DRIVER(waving)

Merry Christmas!

Tabitha waves back.

TABITHAHey, how was your party?

MICHAELGreat.

TABITHADid everyone like my cupcakes?

MICHAELYeah, they liked them. But I think Iate too many. My stomach hurts.

TABITHAAww, poor baby. Next time Mommy won'tmake them so yummy.

Michael runs ahead to the house.

MICHAELIs Daddy home yet?

TABITHANo, honey. Not yet.

Michael opens the front door, heads in.

MICHAELI betcha he's out having fun in allthis snow!

21.

EXT. SNOWY FIELD - DAY

Dale's totaled car lies wedged between two trees near the edgeof the thicket. Smoke rises from under the crumpled hood, ahissing noise is heard.

The door slowly opens. One booted foot hits the ground, thenthe other.

Dale's got a nasty gash on his forehead. He's obviously out ofit. Woozy and confused.

DALE'S POV: Snow and more snow. Blurry trees. Nothing iscoming together.

He grabs the door and tries to lift himself, but he falls backonto the seat. He reaches for his head and moans.

He tries again, and this time makes it out. Favoring his leftleg, he traverses a few hard earned steps.

One step, the wind whips through his hair. Another step, hewobbles and...

Collapses face first in the fresh powder.

Along the horizon line, darkness approaches.

INT. DALE'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

Tabitha, staring warily out the window, speaks into the phone:

TABITHAAll right, Pete. Well, call me if youhear anything, okay? Thanks.

She clicks off. Behind her, Michael on the floor playing withhis toys.

MICHAELMommy, when's Daddy coming home?

TABITHAHe'll be home soon, baby. He had a lotof shopping to do.

22.

She looks out the window again, and it's at this moment sherealizes she has just lied to her son.

EXT. SNOWY FIELD - NIGHT

Daylight fading fast.

Dale's where we left him, motionless on the ground.

There's a sound O.S., like footsteps in the snow. CRUNCHCRUNCH. Coming closer until--

The noise stops.

Standing over Dale is a SMALL PERSON, packaged in a heavyparka zippered to the top with its hood open just enough tosee a set of eyes.

Next to him is a sled. An oil lamp dangling from its handlesprovides an orange radiance in the gloaming.

The SMALL PERSON takes a knee, and throws his hood back. MeetBUTTER FINGER. He looks to be in his forties but, you know,it's hard to tell with ELVES.

Butter Finger GRUNTS and GROANS as he lifts Dale onto thesled. He zippers up, then heads out into the night with theglow of the oil lamp lighting the way.

BUTTER FINGER (V.O.)Everyone else gets to stay back homewhere it's nice and warm. Make toys.Sip hot chocolate by the fire. But me?Oh nooo! I have to go out and collecta guy in the snow.

INT. POLICE STATION - NIGHT

Holiday trimming adorns this modest throwback of a policeheadquarters filled with outdated equipment.

RICK SELLERS (40s) sits at his desk, land line to his ear ashe fidgets with a pencil.

23.

RICK (INTO PHONE)Mrs. Leith, there's nothing we can dountil he's been missing for twenty-four hours. After that, we can declarea missing person. I understand that.Yes. Look, maybe he went out for awalk to clear his head or something...

A BOOMING voice shouts on the other end, prompting Rick toshut his eyes and jerk the phone from his ear.

RICK (INTO PHONE)Okay. All right. I'll go out there andtake a look around. Yes. I will. Okay.You're welcome.

He hangs up the phone and takes a deep breath.

The station door opens and, stomping snow from her boots, isSHERIFF SHIRLEY HASTINGS (50s), who appears every bit theveteran of the force that she is.

Rick smirks.

SHIRLEYWhat?

RICKIs the cruiser warm?

EXT. CABIN - NIGHT

A modest shack in the middle of nowhere. Smoke billows fromits chimney as a warm glow emanates from inside.

INT. CABIN - SAME

A clothes line hangs from one end of the room to the other. Ablack, cast iron stove sits in the corner with a steaming potatop it.

Butter Finger rests in a chair, slurping hot soup.

Dale snores away on a cot, the wound on his head bandaged.

24.

His eyes flutter, and--

DALE'S POV: Everything out of focus.

BUTTER FINGER(mouth full)

Oh, you've finally rejoined us.

Dale locks eyes with his diminutive host, who sports greenthermals and a red stocking cap.

Dale SCREECHES, falls off the cot and stumbles to his knees.He flails about, and grabs the first thing he can get hishands on -- a soup ladle.

Butter drops his bowl and takes cover behind the chair.

BUTTER FINGERWhoa oh! Take it easy there, big guy.

(Dale tries to stand)Uh, I wouldn't put any pressure onthat leg if I were you.

Dale does anyway. He clutches his ankle and falls back on thecot. He raises the ladle.

DALEOkay. Look. I don't know who you are,but stay back.

BUTTER FINGEREverything's okay, Dale. Everything'scool. Why don't you just put the ladledown and we'll talk.

DALEHow do you know my name? Who are you?

BUTTER FINGERAre we done swinging ladles?

Butter edges out from behind the chair and scoops the soupbowl from off the floor.

25.

BUTTER FINGEROkay. Where do I start? Umm... Yourcar slid down a ditch. You foolishlytried to walk out, and I rescued you.

(beat)You're welcome, by the way.

Dale tries to process this.

DALEAnd where am I again?

BUTTER FINGERYou're in my cabin. My humble abode.I'm Butter Finger. I'm an Elf.Sometimes we have funny names and,yes, we are short.

Butter extends his hand. Dale doesn't take it.

DALEButter Finger?

BUTTER FINGERFriends call me Butter.

DALEAnd you're an Elf?

BUTTER FINGERCan't get nothing past you.

DALEOkaayy. And there's no hospitalsaround here, right?

BUTTER FINGERYou mean for your head?

DALENo. I mean for you. Like, maybe youescaped from a mental ward orsomething. You know what I'm saying?

26.

BUTTER FINGERThat's very cute. Thanks. But no, it'snothing like that. Besides, who wouldclaim to be an Elf that wasn't? Oh,and just in case you're wondering -this is not a dream. This is reallyhappening. Like real time. Okay? Okay.

Dale finally lowers the soup ladle.

DALESo, how do you know my name? You gothrough my wallet or something?

BUTTER FINGERI don't need to go through yourwallet, Dale. I know everything I needto know about you.

Butter crosses to the pot on the stove. He takes a set oftongs and fishes a pair of socks from the hot water.

Dale cringes with disgust.

BUTTER FINGERThat being said, you're darn lucky Icame along when I did. Any longer andyou'd have been an ice sculpture.

Dale scans the room, and stops abruptly when he spots a bag inthe corner that reads: REINDEER CHOW, complete with a reindeercaricature making an OK sign.

DALEYou got a bag here that says ReindeerChow? Let me guess - Santa's reindeer?

Butter turns, wrings out the wet sock and grins.

BUTTER FINGERNow you're catching on.

INT. POLICE STATION - NIGHT

A space heater glows in the corner of the room.

27.

Shirley sits at her desk, sipping coffee and trying to warm upwhen Rick comes through on the radio. She presses a button onthe console.

SHIRLEYWhat you got, Rick?

EXT. COUNTRY ROAD - NIGHT

Rick's on the side of the road, shining his flashlight ontothe guard rail.

RICK (INTO VEST RADIO)Well, we got a busted guard rail oneighty-seven. Tire tracks. Looks likesomething went down here.

He moves closer to the edge, shines the light down the ravine.The unmistakable shape of a car lies at the bottom.

RICK(deep breath)

Oh boy.

INT. CABIN - NIGHT

Butter hands Dale a warm cloth.

BUTTER FINGERThis is for your head.

DALEThanks. You didn't happen to find myphone, did you?

BUTTER FINGERNope. I was kind of pressed for time,you know, with you freezing to deathand all.

Dale gets to his feet, but he's wobbly. Butter tries to steadyhim, and helps him back down onto the cot.

BUTTER FINGEREasy. Easy.

28.

DALE(softly)

I gotta call Tabitha. She's gonna beworried...

Butter takes a fresh blanket from off the shelf, and drapes itover an exhausted Dale.

BUTTER FINGERThere'll be time for that, soldier.You get some rest now.

EXT. DALE'S HOUSE - MORNING

KNOCK KNOCK. Deputy Rick Sellers at the door.

Tabitha answers. Looks as though she hasn't slept a wink.

TABITHADid you find him?

Rick removes his hat.

RICKMa'am.

EXT. CABIN - MORNING

A bird sings. The fresh snow glistens.

INT. CABIN - SAME

Sunlight pours in the only window. Dale is just waking up. Hetakes a look around the room. Butter is nowhere in sight.

Feeling better, Dale swings his feet onto the floor. He findshis boots and puts them on. He gets up, finds his RED PLAIDCOAT and puts that on, too.

Then he spots a note tacked to the door. It reads:

Dale,

Had some errands to run. I suspect you'll want to go home. Becareful. Every journey begins with a tough first step.

29.

Butter

Dale chuckles. He grasps the door handle and pulls it open,more than ready to be on his way.

He takes a step. His foot lands on a loose board. He tumblesdown the steps, and face plants in the snow.

He lifts his head, blows snow from his mouth, opens his eyesand...

EXT. CHRISTMASVILLE - DAY

Nothing coming into focus yet, but...

Dale hears CHRISTMAS BELLS ringing. There's MUSIC, too.Christmas music. Someone shouts -- "WHOA!"

Dale turns just in time to see a SLEIGH, pulled by a lonereindeer. He shuts his eyes, awaiting impact.

DALEOh no. Not again!

The sleigh halts mere inches from his face.

Two BLACK BOOTS disembark, snow crunching underneath. This isa LARGE MAN in green wool trousers and a heavy overcoat.

The boots stop in front of a cringing Dale. He glances up. Andsurely this dream isn't over just yet, because this WHITE-BEARDED hulk of a man looks just like--

DALESanta?

SANTA peers at Dale through his spectacles.

SANTAYou must be he.

The reindeer exhales, blasting away the remaining snow fromDale's incredulous face.

30.

INT. DALE'S HOUSE - FOYER - DAY

Tabitha stares at Rick in disbelief as he fiddles with thebrim of his Stetson.

TABITHAWhat do you mean you don't know wherehe is? Don't tell me that, Rick. Don'ttell me that.

RICKBut we don't, Ma'am.

TABITHAWell, don't you think you should beout there looking?

RICKMa'am?

TABITHAYou call me ma'am one more time andI'll scratch your eyes out.

RICKWe're organizing a search party, Mrs.Leith. Sheriff Hastings'll come bywith all the details. Not to worry.We'll find him for you.

TABITHANot to worry? My husband has a caraccident in the middle of a blizzard,goes missing in the dead of night, youcan't find him--

(mindful of her volume)And you're telling me not to worry?

Rick looks down at his shoes.

EXT. CHRISTMASVILLE - DAY

Dale, confounded, stands by Santa. His eyes are filled withwonder because everywhere he looks-- CHRISTMAS.

31.

A majestic NORWAY SPRUCE stands in the TOWN SQUARE, encircledby an ice skating pond. Brightly lit wreaths in every door ofevery SHOPPE along a festive MAIN STREET.

Cobblestone sidewalks and old timey lamp posts. It's aRockwellian Christmas village come to life.

Christmas music pipes in from somewhere.

TOWNSFOLK, bundled for Winter, move gaily through the streets.A PAPER BOY on a bicycle flings a newspaper.

DALEAm I dreaming?

SANTAIf I told you you weren't, would youbelieve it?

Dale just laughs.

DALEIt's like I time-warped to the fiftiesor something.

In a clearing, near the Norway Spruce, sits an OLD MAN at aneasel. He adjusts his fedora, takes a puff from his pipe, andcarefully applies brush to canvas.

DALEIs that... Is that Stan Livingston?The painter?

SANTAAnd if I told you it was?

The OLD MAN turns and tips his hat.

DALEThen I'd tell you this has got to bethe craziest dream I've ever had.

32.

EXT. CHRISTMASVILLE - LATER

Dale rides shotgun in Santa's sleigh, heading down a paththrough snowy woods. He turns back to see the lights of thetown behind them. All of this seems oddly familiar.

SANTAI give you credit, Dale. Most peoplewould've tried to head for the hillsby now.

DALEGive it time.

(then, wistful)But, this place... Strange. Reminds meof when I was a little kid. Every yearmy father would set up this miniatureChristmas village around the tree.Little lights on in the houses, cottonfor snow. He used to call itChristmasville. That's what this placereminds me of.

Santa tugs at the reins, bells JINGLE.

SANTAFor me it's home. Central command.Where all the magic happens.

DALEAre you really Santa Claus?

SANTAWell, who else would I be?

DALEYou didn't answer my question.

SANTALet me ask you a question, Dale. Whoare you?

DALEWhat do you mean?

33.

SANTAAre you the wide-eyed kid, full ofwonder, gazing at your father'sChristmas village? Or are you who youare now? Tired, and going through themotions. Work, paycheck, work. No zestfor life anymore.

Beat. Just the sound of reindeer hooves.

DALEHow do you know all this?

SANTAI'm Santa Claus. Come on.

Santa points.

SANTAWe're here.

INT. SANTA'S WORKSHOP - DAY

Santa leads Dale through the foyer into the--

GREAT ROOM

It's like Home and Gardens on speed. A spectacular Christmastree graces the center of the room. An immense, roaringfireplace. Christmas stockings everywhere.

Vaulted ceilings with oaken studs, immense picture windowswith fantastic views. Holiday music, polished wood floors,and...

ELVES. Everywhere -- bustling about in a frenzy of activitylike a choreographed ballroom dance.

Dale marvels at the spectacle of it all.

SANTAWhat do you think?

34.

DALEThis is amazing. I've never seenarchitecture like this before.

SANTAThat's the first thing a woodworkerwould notice, I suppose.

DALEFormer woodworker.

They come to a large door. Santa opens it.

INT. SANTA'S WORKSHOP - FACTORY - DAY

A spacious, open floor teeming with enterprise. Hundreds ofElves at work. Building toys. Hammering. Nailing. Theincessant chatter just a loud hum of white noise.

JERVIS, a bearded Elf, clipboard in one hand and a hot cocoain the other, paces the floor.

SANTA(shouts over the noise)

Jervis!

Jervis saunters over.

SANTAJervis, how we looking?

JERVIS(rolls his eyes)

Behind on everything, Mister C.Trains, fire engines. It's gonna betight. Rather large demand on toytractors this year, though. I gottaadmit I didn't see that coming.

SANTANo, no, no. The other thing.

35.

JERVIS(checks his clipboard)

Oh. Um. Your Pilates class is atthree, and your personal trainer comesin at four-thirty.

DALEYou have a personal trainer?

SANTAYeah. Don't you? Oh, Dale, this is myfloor manager, Jervis.

Jervis and Dale exchange a shake.

SANTADale here has a background inwoodworking.

Jervis' eyes light up.

JERVISReally?

EXT. FIELD - DAY

Bare tree branches and snowy drifts. Close to where Dale hadhis accident.

Shirley Hastings, Rick at her side, addresses a group of aboutten TOWNSPEOPLE.

SHIRLEYWe're going to spread out in groups oftwo. Remember, anything you find mightbe of value. So remember to let myselfor Deputy Sellers know about it. Anyquestions?

RITA SIMMSAre we, like, a posse?

RICKNo. We're a search party, Rita.

36.

HENRY DUGGINSSheriff, can you repeat that lastthing you said?

SHIRLEYWhat last thing I said?

HENRY DUGGINSI don't know. I didn't hear it.

SHIRLEYPull up your ear flaps, Henry. Thatshould do the trick. Okay, is thereanything else?

(apparently not)All right. Let's go. Be safe.

The search party disperses. Someone stumbles. There's muffledlaughter. One CAL PERKINS calls back:

CALYou're feeding us after this, right?

RICKEat the snow.

Shirley breathes a heavy SIGH as she looks across the field.

SHIRLEYRick?

RICK(adjusts his hat)

Yeah?

SHIRLEYThis search party couldn't finditself.

INT. DALE'S HOUSE - KITCHEN - DAY

Michael's at the table eating breakfast.

Tabitha's washing dishes and staring out the window withfaraway eyes. She's barely keeping it together.

37.

MICHAELIs Daddy lost?

She shuts off the water and sits next to him.

TABITHA(careful)

I-- I don't know, honey. For all weknow he could be making toys withSanta. But...we just gotta staystrong, honey. For Daddy. And hope hefinds his way home. Okay?

MICHAELAnd pray, too. I'll pray that Daddycomes home.

She's caught a little off guard, but smiles just the same.

TABITHAYeah. We can do that, too.

INT. SANTA'S WORKSHOP - FITTING ROOM - DAY

Santa and Jervis outside a FITTING STALL.

DALE (O.S.)(from behind the door)

So, let me get this straight. You wantme to make toys?

SANTAYou heard Jervis, Dale. We're behindschedule as it is.

DALE (O.S.)What kind of toys?

JERVISWooden trains, fire engines, policecars. You know. Traditional stuff.

FITTING STALL

Dale is dressed in the most ill-fitting Elf suit.

38.

Red pants too high, green shirt too small.

He's searching for something. There's an air vent. He pulls itoff and looks inside.

DALESpeaking of tradition, I have atradition of spending Christmas withmy family. Not being stuck in this...alternate reality or whatever.

FITTING ROOM

SANTAOh, don't be like that, Dale. You'llbe doing a lot of good for a lot ofchildren. It's not every day we comeacross someone with your skill set.

Santa waits. No answer. He looks at Jervis, who shrugs.

SANTADale?

AIR CONDITIONING VENT

Dale is packed in like a sardine, inching his way through thethin aluminum vent.

DALEThere's gotta be a way outta here.

Further down, Dale navigates a sharp turn. Now he's makingprogress. He keeps going and going, then stops. There's anopening up ahead.

FITTING ROOM

Santa and Jervis. Perplexed. Still waiting, when--

An air vent POPS out behind them. Dale's legs emerge from thehole. He wriggles out, dusts off, and finds himself staring atSanta and Jervis.

39.

Dale looks at them. They look back. He heads sheepishly backinto the fitting room stall.

DALEOutfit's too tight.

INT. SANTA'S WORKSHOP - FACTORY - DAY

Dale sits at a work table. He places his hands down and lookseverything over. Tools. Schematics.

JERVISThere's a sweets buffet available ifyou get hungry. Hot chocolate. Mineralwater. Whatever you want.

DALEWhy do you need me? It doesn't looklike you have a shortage of Elveshere.

Jervis checks over his shoulder.

JERVISJust between you and me, a bunch ofElves have been laid up with Elf Feverthis year. It's going around.

DALEElf Fever?

JERVISShhh! Are you nuts? You're gonna spookthe Elves.

Dale looks over Jervis' shoulder. All the Elves are kindalooking at him.

Dale checks over the blueprints on his desk.

DALEThese are a little outdated, don't youthink?

40.

JERVISWe've been using the same plans foryears. But get creative, if the moodstrikes. I trust you. You come highlyrecommended.

DALE(laughs)

Okay.

Jervis leaves.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the room, Butter Fingerpushes a broom across the floor.

INT. PRETTY THINGS SALON - DAY

The salon's busy today. Lots happening, but when Tabithaenters it all goes kinda quiet.

Tabitha senses it. It's pretty obvious. She hangs her coat,and approaches her chair.

Gayle comes over.

GAYLEHey, sugar.

INT. PRETTY THINGS SALON - BREAK ROOM - MOMENTS LATER

Separated from the salon by a blue curtain.

TABITHAWhat's going on, Gayle?

GAYLETab, look, we all know what's goingon. I can only imagine how it is foryou right now.

TABITHAThanks.

41.

GAYLEWhat I'm trying to say is, you don'tneed to be here if you don't want to.I've got plenty of girls to cover you.It's not a big deal.

TABITHANo, no... It's okay. I want to behere. I just, you know, wanna keep myroutine.

Gayle can see it's taking its toll, though.

GAYLEI know, honey. I know. And, hey--Everything's gonna be okay. You'llsee.

TABITHAThanks.

Gayle embraces her tightly. Motherly.

GAYLEAnd, look. I know the tree lighting'ssoon. Believe me, no one is going tofault you if you don't do the cookiesthis year.

TABITHAOh, no. I'll do them. I like doingthem. Everyone loves my cookies.Besides, it'll... I don't know. Helptake my mind off things.

GAYLEWell, you're gonna have a partner thisyear because I'm coming over to helpyou. And I'm not taking no for ananswer. I've done some baking in myday, and I don't mind saying I'm a bitof a whiz in the kitchen.

42.

TABITHA(smiles, touched)

You got it.

EXT. SNOWY FIELD - DAY

Shirley trudges through the snow by herself. All around just alot of nothing, but something catches her eye.

In the distance, near a grouping of trees--

EXT. CABIN - DAY

Shirley, curious, studies the ramshackle cabin.

There's boot tracks in the snow. Two sets, in fact.

She steps up to the door and knocks. A creak as it opens.Shirley pokes her head in.

SHIRLEYHello?

INT. CABIN - SAME

Just how we last saw it. The stove, the clothes line and--

Shirley spots the cot where Dale slept, her keen eyes focusingon a little smudge of BLOOD on the pillow.

She scrutinizes it a moment, then heads to the front door andfinds the note tacked to the inside. She puts on rubbergloves, takes it down and reads it.

When she's finished, she carefully places it inside anevidence bag.

Then something else. Next to the stove. She slowly reachesdown, and comes up holding a bag of--

SHIRLEYReindeer Chow?

43.

INT. SANTA'S WORKSHOP - FACTORY - NIGHT

Dale sips hot cocoa by the buffet table. The place has quieteddown, and Elves are calling it a day.

Dale approaches his work station, where Jervis is inspectingone of his TRAINS.

JERVISHmm.

(turns it over)Hmm. Pretty impressive work, Doug.

DALEDale.

JERVISWhatever. Well, I'll see you brightand early then, Dale.

DALEOkay. Hey...

(Jervis turns)How much longer I have to do this?

JERVISNot much longer.

Jervis exits as Dale shuffles over to the window. Night hasfallen. The lights from the town twinkle in the distance.

Dale looks down and, directly below is Butter Finger. He'sholding a shovel and heading towards the STABLES.

Butter stops, looks up and waves.

Dale lifts his hand halfway, smiles, and waves back.

EXT. DALE'S HOUSE - MORNING

Shirley Hastings rings the doorbell.

44.

INT. DALE'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - DAY

Shirley and Rick sit on a sofa across from Tabitha as Michaelplays in an adjoining room.

TABITHAYou don't think there was foul playinvolved, do you?

RICK(all official-like)

If it was, it wasn't someone local.

Shirley smirks, waves it off.

SHIRLEYWe don't think it was foul play. Mybest guess is he lost control of hiscar and slid down that embankment.

TABITHAWhere he just up and disappeared?

SHIRLEYTabitha, does Dale have a history ofdepression?

TABITHANo, not really. I mean, he did justlose his job.

SHIRLEYWas there anything else?

Tabitha sighs, looks over her shoulder at Michael.

TABITHAWell, Christmas is always sort oftouch and go. It was around this timewe lost Emily.

SHIRLEYI remember it all too well.

45.

TABITHAI mean, he'd mentioned that, but...What are you trying to get at?

SHIRLEYJust trying to get as much informationas we can.

(then)Were you and Dale having any maritalissues?

Tabitha arches her back.

TABITHA(nervous laugh)

What is that supposed to mean? Are yousuggesting that I drove him away?

SHIRLEYTabitha, when you open the book on howto investigate a disappearance theseare they questions they tell you toask. Don't read too much into them.

RICKMrs. Leith, sometimes within theconfines of a marriage...

(laces his fingers)...a man can just get so frustratedwith his spouse that he might thinkabout leaving. I mean, I never have,of course, but...

Tabitha looks horrified, as does Shirley.

SHIRLEYRick, could you go wait in the car.

Rick gets up, tips his hat.

RICKMa'am.

Shirley watches him go, shakes her head.

46.

SHIRLEYLook, we're just trying to cover allthe bases here. It's how we're goingto find Dale. Now, from what I'veseen, I'm ruling out foul play. Okay?This doesn't look anything like that.For all we know, Dale got hurt, a goodsamaritan found him, and helped himout. This town is full of good people.I think you know that.

(then)Even my deputy out there.

INT. DALE'S HOUSE - BEDROOM - MORNING

Morning sun floods in. Dale's asleep in bed, then suddenlyawakens to find Tabitha gazing lovingly into his eyes.

DALETab?

TABITHAGood morning, sleepy head.

DALEOh, my gosh. Tabitha! You have noidea. I just had the strangest dream.

Her angelic face moves closer to his.

TABITHATell me about it.

DALEOh, man. I dreamt I was in this caraccident, and I woke up in this, Idon't know, the North Pole orsomething. This, like, Christmas townwith Elves and Santa...

TABITHA(cuts him off abruptly)

Wakey, wakey!

47.

DALEI am awake. I--

TABITHA(Butter's voice)

Wanna come feed the reindeer?

And, suddenly, we're in--

INT. SANTA'S WORKSHOP - BEDROOM - MORNING

Dale's feet hang off a small, Elven bed as Butter Finger'skind face is mere inches from his.

Dale SCREAMS! Jumps out of bed. Blankets go flying.

INT. REINDEER STABLE - DAY

Dale and Butter pass rows of reindeer enclosures.

DALEHow do you know which one is which?

Butter points to the reindeer as they pass them.

BUTTER FINGERWell, that one's Donner. That'sBlitzen over there. And that one'sComet. I don't need to give you atutorial on Santa's reindeer, do I?

DALEOf course not.

Butter grabs a pitchfork, and stabs at a bale of hay.

DALESo, this is your job?

BUTTER FINGERPretty much. Jack of all trades,master of none.

48.

DALESo, why are you not inside making toyswith the rest of the Elves?

Butter hesitates.

BUTTER FINGERJust wasn't my thing, I guess. I keptmixing things up. Like, one year I putBarbie's body on Ken. What does thattell you?

DALEUm, you made a mistake? Either that,or you were just really confused.

BUTTER FINGERHa ha. Comedian. And what about you?

DALEWhat about me?

BUTTER FINGERWord is you're not too keen onwoodwork.

DALENot really. No.

BUTTER FINGERBut, you're good at it.

DALEWho said that?

BUTTER FINGERJervis did. He says all the otherElves have been copying your designs.

DALEReally?

Butter nods, jabs his pitchfork in the ground as the slightesthint of pride flashes across Dale's face.

49.

BUTTER FINGERWhat kind of work do you do back home?

DALEShipping and receiving. In awoodworking factory, of all places.

BUTTER FINGERI don't get it. A guy with your talentunloading trucks.

DALEMy father had a woodworking shop intown. I worked with him for manyyears. Now, he was a talented man.

BUTTER FINGERWhat happened?

DALEHe died.

BUTTER FINGERNo, I mean what happened with you?

DALE(deep breath)

He wanted me to keep on with the shopand all, but... Then my daughter died,and, well... Things just weren't thesame after that.

BUTTER FINGERUnderstandable. But, you have a gift,Dale. Rare in humans. And in Elves.

Butter grabs a sack of reindeer food, struggling as he triesto throw it over his shoulder.

Dale takes the bag and carries it for him.

INT. DALE'S HOUSE - NIGHT

All's quiet and still, but...

50.

INT. DALE'S HOUSE - KITCHEN - NIGHT

Looks like a bomb exploded. Wooden spoons, mixing bowls andflour everywhere.

Gayle holds a glass of wine in one hand, a whisk in the other.

Tabitha sits nearby. She hasn't touched her wine.

GAYLEMaybe it's like Sheriff Hastings said- a good samaritan found Dale, tookhim out of the car and--

TABITHAAbducted him.

GAYLEI was going to say-- helped him.

TABITHAHe's been gone three days now, Gayle.How much help does he need?

GAYLEHoney, I know you don't feel this way,but I honestly think Dale is fine. Ifeel it in my gut. I may even bepsychic. But, I believe Dale will behome for Christmas.

TABITHAWhat if I...drove him away somehow?

GAYLETabby, that's the craziest thing I'veever heard. You mean to tell me thatDale faked his car accident just toget away from you? Put on this wholeproduction? Not only do I not thinkhe'd ever do something like that...

(sips her wine)But that's just giving men way toomuch credit.

51.

Tabitha laughs.

TABITHAI don't know. Maybe you're right.

(sighs)How are the cookies coming?

GAYLEFantabulous!

(then)Was I supposed to use baking powder orbaking soda?

Tabitha's mouth drops.

INT. SANTA'S WORKSHOP - FACTORY - DAY

Noisy and busy. It's crunch time.

Dale holds a wooden train and a file as Butter attentivelywatches on.

DALEAnd you plane the edges. Like this.Sort of give it that streamlined look.You try.

Timidly, Butter takes the train in his small hands, looks atDale and smiles nervously.

BUTTER FINGERI don't know.

DALEJust take it. You're probably a lotbetter than you give yourself creditfor.

Dale gets up, offers Butter his seat.

BUTTER FINGERWhere are you going?

52.

DALEI need some fresh air. You go aheadand finish up. I'll be back soon.

Butter watches Dale button his RED PLAID COAT, then nervouslyconsiders the train.

EXT. CHRISTMASVILLE - DAY

Dale strolls along the wet cobblestone streets, past thecharming, rustic shoppes.

A late model car rolls by, tree fastened to its hood.

He crosses the street, hops the curb. He makes his way pastthe skating pond and the giant Norway Spruce, where he findshimself gazing out into an open, snow-covered field.

Dale checks over his shoulder. There's no one around. It's hischance. He takes a deep breath, and makes a break for it.

Past a covered bridge stands a giant oak, it's branchesweighted down with snow.

He looks back at the town in the distance. Gotta keep going.Gotta get out of here. Gotta--

WHAM!

Dale's flattened, and drops like a stone.

He slowly gets to his feet, shaking out the cobwebs.

DALEWhat the?

He reaches out, and his hand hits something. He can't see it,but it's there. Like an invisible barrier preventing him fromgoing further.

He slides a few paces left. Like a mime, he feels around. Andthis wall is everywhere. Just...everywhere.

DALEHey. Hey!

53.

His voice echoes. A bird takes flight. No one answers.

He bangs on the wall. It does not give way. It won't break. Hehits it again. Harder. Again.

No movement. No escape.

Out of breath, he drops his hands, looks around him. The stillof the day. So quiet.

So alone.

Resigned, he lowers his head and turns back.

INT. CHRISTMASVILLE - LATER

Dale leans on a wooden fence near the giant Christmas tree,and watches as a YOUNG BOY, scarf flowing, skates past.

That OLD MAN is there again, too. He's sitting at his easeland puffing on his pipe, some twenty feet behind Dale.

His name is STAN LIVINGSTON.

Dale pushes off the fence, and approaches.

STAN LIVINGSTONNice day, huh?

DALEYeah, I guess.

(extends his hand)Dale Leith.

STAN LIVINGSTONStan Livingston.

On Stan's canvas is exactly what's before him -- the BOYskating, the CHRISTMAS TREE and the WOODEN FENCE.

DALEHow do you remember detail so well?

He puffs his pipe, adjusts his spectacles and points.

54.

STAN LIVINGSTONSee the boy skating? He ain't gonnastay still for me. And I'm certainlynot going to ask him to. I'm justgonna keep watching. He'll come aroundagain and again. And each time he doesI'll add a little something until Iget it right.

Dale points to the tree in the painting.

DALEWhat about that red bird you put inthe tree?

STAN LIVINGSTONWhat about it?

DALEThere's no bird in the tree.

Stan smiles.

STAN LIVINGSTONMaybe not now, but that doesn't meanit wasn't there before you came by.

DALESeeing is believing, I guess.

STAN LIVINGSTONThat may be true for most things, butcertainly not for the best of things.Least that's the way it is here.

Dale studies him a good, long moment.

DALEWhere is here?

Stan meets Dale's gaze, then looks out across the landscape.

STAN LIVINGSTONThat's a good question. Where do youthink here is?

55.

DALEI honestly don't know anymore. Ithought I was dreaming at first, butnow I'm not so sure.

STAN LIVINGSTONYou know as much as I. Take a lookaround you. Main Street. The mountainsoff in the distance behind theshoppes. It's beautiful.

DALEYes, it is. But it doesn't answer myquestion.

STAN LIVINGSTONSon, I've been a painter for manyyears. I've painted, and I've painted.With varying degrees of success, mindyou. Yet, I always kept on, even whenit seemed like things wouldn't workout. You see, I never consideredpainting my livelihood. It was mylife. And if you're lucky enough tofind something that fills you up withso much inspiration, the way paintingdoes for me, then why would you evenwant to question such beauty?

Dale looks out to the frozen lake. The young boy shushes by onhis skates under the careful watch of the Norway Spruce.

And this moment. This image. Somehow it feels familiar. Likehe's seen it somewhere before.

Dale slowly lifts his arm, and draws an imaginary line withhis finger. The air RIPPLES and SHIMMERS as if it were water.

He looks to the old man in awe.

STAN LIVINGSTONMerry Christmas, friend.

DALEYeah. I'd say so.

56.

Dale turns to go. The old man fastens a button on his coat. Hetakes his brush, dips it in the red paint, and lovinglyapplies it to the canvas.

SERIES OF SHOTS:

EXT. MAIN STREET - DAY

- Shirley and Rick hand out flyers: MISSING PERSON at the top,a picture of Dale below.

- All they're getting are a lot of folks shaking their heads.

INT. PRETTY THINGS SALON - DAY

- Tabitha, cutting hair, fighting to get through another day.

- Gayle, ever the protective soul, eyeing her with concern.

EXT. MAIN STREET - TOWN SQUARE - DAY

- A BANNER hangs across the GAZEBO: 37TH ANNUAL TREE LIGHTING.

- PEOPLE stringing lights, decorating, setting up tables.

EXT. DALE'S HOUSE - DAY

- a forlorn Michael stares out the window, watching as thesnow tumbles from the sky.

EXT. MAIN STREET - DAY

- A FLYER for Dale hangs in the window of the vacant LEITHWOODWORKING SHOP, and finally...

INT. SANTA'S WORKSHOP - FACTORY - DAY

- Dale hard at work, building. Only now, the strain of beingtorn from his family is clearly visible.

END OF SERIES.

INT. SANTA'S WORKSHOP - FACTORY - DAY

Butter glues on a train whistle under Dale's watchful eye.

57.

BUTTER FINGERWhat do you think?

DALEThat's really good.

BUTTER FINGEROh, sure. And what's behind doornumber three?

DALEI'm serious. It's good.

BUTTER FINGERThanks.

Jervis trots up, stressed out.

JERVISButter, I need you to get a sweep outhere. This place is a mess. The hotchocolate needs to be filled. Come on.

Butter shoves off. Dale turns to Jervis.

DALEHe should be making toys, Jervis.

JERVISThat's not up to me. The big man makesthe calls around here.

DALEWell, whisper in his ear or something.Give the little guy a break.

Jervis disregards Dale.

DALEHe's got talent, Jervis. Anyone worththeir salt in this business knowstalent when they see it. Butterbelongs on the floor.

Jervis moves in close.

58.

JERVISHas Butter ever told you why he's noton the floor?

DALEYeah. He said he messed up some dollsor something.

JERVISAsk him again.

DALEWhat?

Jervis turns to leave.

JERVISAsk him again.

Off Dale's confused face...

EXT. TOWN SQUARE - DAY

Shirley, flyers in hand, waits at the curb.

TITLE: CHRISTMAS EVE

She gazes wistfully at the majestic Christmas tree in thesquare. With its red bows and lights, it stands ready for thefestivities to come.

Rick joins her.

RICKNice, isn't it?

SHIRLEY(troubled)

It's nice every year.

RICKGot Dale on your mind, don't you?

59.

SHIRLEYIt doesn't add up. We found the car,then the cabin. Both show signs ofDale's presence, but no Dale. How doesa man up and vanish like that?

RICKIt's a mystery. We sure could use alittle Christmas magic right aboutnow.

She shakes her head, as if searching for clarity.

SHIRLEYYou know, I've been on this job many ayear, Rick. First Loudonville, thenStratford. Now here. In all my timeI've never let anyone down who wasdepending on me. Never. There's gottabe something I'm missing.

(whirls around)Wait. What did you just say?

RICKIt's a mystery.

SHIRLEYNo, no, no. After that.

RICKWe could use some Christmas magic.

Shirley pushes her flyers at Rick's chest, darts to thecruiser.

RICKWhere are you going?

SHIRLEYI gotta check on something.

RICKWait, I'll come with you.

60.

SHIRLEYNo, you stay here. You gotta cover thetree lighting tonight.

Shirley jumps into the cruiser.

RICKHey! How am I gonna get back to the...

She SLAMS the door and peels out.

RICK...station?

EXT. TOWN SQUARE - LATER

White skies. Chance of snow. PEOPLE are buzzing, preparingthings for tonight.

Tabitha and Michael pull up in her SUV. They get out, andTabitha lifts the hatch.

GARY (50s), the Town Selectman, greets her.

GARYMorning, Mrs. Leith.

TABITHAMorning, Gary. I just came by realquick to drop off the cookies.

GARYThank you so much. It sure was nice ofyou to do this. We all know you have alot on your plate right now.

TABITHAI appreciate you saying that.

Gary takes three boxes from the car.

GARYWell, thanks again. So, we'll see youtonight, right?

61.

TABITHASure.

Tabitha closes the hatch, then heads over to Michael, who'schecking out the Christmas tree with a funny little grin onhis face.

TABITHAHey, kiddo.

MICHAELThat's a pretty tree.

TABITHAIt sure is, baby cakes.

Michael lowers his head.

MICHAELIt's almost Christmas and Daddy'sstill not home.

TABITHAI know, honey. I know. But let's notgive up hope, okay? We need to bestrong.

MICHAELStrong like my big muscles.

TABITHAYes. Strong like your big muscles.

They watch a while longer.

TABITHACome on. We better get going.

And as they leave, the sudden red whoosh of a Cardinal as itlands on a branch in the tree.

INT. SANTA'S WORKSHOP - DAY

Dale wanders the colorful halls. Elves hurry past, chattingexcitedly.

62.

After all, it's Christmas Eve and there's not a moment tospare.

He holds a FIRE ENGINE. One that he made. And for the firsttime, we see the love and care that went into it: Smoothedges, red and yellow paint, rubber tires and headlights.

Ahead, a room labelled: GYM. Dale stops, leans back and looksinside.

GYM

Treadmills, weights. Various workout equipment.

Santa's pushing it hard on an Elliptical machine. A towelwrapped around his neck, he wears a t-shirt that proclaims:THE MAN WITH THE BAG.

SANTAWell, hello, Dale.

DALEWhat are you doing?

SANTATonight's the big night. Gotta greasethe wheels, so to speak.

DALEBig night?

SANTAIt's Christmas Eve, Dale. You did knowthat, didn't you?

DALEI guess I lost track of time.

(beat, then)Does this mean I get to go home?

Santa walks over, toweling off.

SANTAYou think you're ready?

63.

And that, right there, is the last straw.

DALEWhat do you mean, am I ready? Readyfor what? Don't you think this hasgone on long enough? I mean, I'm here.Okay? However I got here, I'm here. Ibought into it. I made your toys. Idid exactly what I was supposed to do.

SANTADale, listen--

DALENo, you listen. My family's homewaiting for me! They're probablyworried sick. You got this...invisiblewall keeping me in. This is crazy! I'mready to go. What's it take to get astraight answer around here?

Dale storms out, raises the fire engine and--

SANTADale!

He SMASHES it against the wall, where it shatters into athousand pieces.

An ELF moves to the other side of the hall.

Dale pays him no mind. He looks at Santa, his anger boilingover, and storms off.

EXT. SNOWY FIELD - DAY

Shadows grow long, getting on afternoon. Butter's cabin sitsunder a rosy December sky.

INT. CABIN - DAY

Shirley, eyes wide, searches the room. Looking for something.Anything.

The stove. The blood-stained pillow. It's all still here.

64.

She reaches into her pocket and pulls out an EVIDENCE BAG.Inside is the note she pulled from off the door. She unfoldsthe note, and reads it again.

SHIRLEYEvery journey begins with a toughfirst step.

Shirley stares at it. Transfixed. She looks away, her eyesonce again find the bag of REINDEER CHOW.

Hands at her sides, she stands in front of the door. She pacesher breathing, opens the door and steps out.

Her boot hits the loose board. She tumbles hard, landingface-first in the snow.

She raises her head, opens her eyes.

A BRIGHT FLASH, and...

EXT. CHRISTMASVILLE - DAY

Shirley, dazed, on the ground. There are SOUNDS -- Christmasbells, children laughing. And now, she SEES...

The TOWN. The streets and the shoppes. The Christmas tree andthe ice skating pond. KIDS building a snowman. And all thewhile, echoing in her ears--

The JOLLY ONE himself: HO HO HO!

Shirley's mouth hangs open. There's no way. There's just noway this is real. She shakes her head.

Another BRIGHT FLASH.

EXT. SNOWY FIELD - DAY

Back where she started -- in front of the cabin in the snow.She slowly gets to her feet, a tad unsteady, and brushes offthe snow.

The sudden sound of quiet. Peaceful and bewildering.

65.

SHIRLEYWell, that happened.

INT. REINDEER STABLE - DAY

Dale tramps on the straw-covered ground, the reindeer on edgeand fussing.

Dale finds Butter at the last stall, lovingly brushing thecoat of one of the reindeer.

BUTTER FINGERHey, Dale.

DALEBig night? Lots of presents todeliver?

BUTTER FINGERYou know it.

Dale looks around, presses his lips together.

DALEWhy are you not on the floor makingtoys, Butter?

BUTTER FINGERI told you already.

DALENo. Uh uh. Not you. If there's oneperson in this whole place who doesn'tspeak in riddles and can give me astraight answer, it's gotta be you.Please!

Butter stops.

BUTTER FINGERMy father taught me how to make toys along time ago. And I was pretty goodat it, too, you know. But... I keptforgetting things.

(MORE)

66.

BUTTER FINGER (cont'd)Little details like the steering wheelof a car, or the smokestack of atrain. Not good if you're an Elf. But,I figured they were small things, youknow? Not that big a deal.

Butter continues brushing, sighs.

BUTTER FINGERThen one year, not too long ago, wegot word that a boy swallowed a loosepiece from a toy. A tiny bell from afire engine. A toy I'd made.

(beat, then)Thankfully, the little guy was fine.Everything had a happy ending, but...After that I just didn't have it in meto make toys. I didn't trust myselfanymore. I lost my confidence.

Dale lowers his head as Butter continues.

BUTTER FINGERAnd it took me a while - a good longwhile - to realize that what I did, asbad as it may have seemed at the time,was nothing more than an accident.Something that could've happened toanybody, but chose me. You get whatI'm saying?

DALEButter, I'm sorry. I didn't know.

BUTTER FINGERIt's okay. How could you know? Anyway,now, I brush the reindeer. I fill thehot chocolate. I clean up after otherpeople. It's not as bad as it seems.Sometimes it's actually prettyfulfilling.

DALE(smiling)

I'll bet.

67.

The reindeer are grunting. They're getting restless.

BUTTER FINGERWell, I better get on back to work.You, too. I'm sure they'll need youfor something.

DALEOkay. Well, I'll see you around.

BUTTER FINGERYou will.

Butter watches Dale leave. Silence, save for the barks of theantsy reindeer.

BUTTER FINGERIt's okay, boy. We got a big nightahead of us, don't we?

INT. DALE'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

Tabitha wearily paces the floor, wearing a cheery Christmassweater and a sad face.

She runs her hand along the fireplace mantle, and gazes at aphoto of Emily.

TABITHAHow are you, my baby girl?

Tabitha folds her arms, as if she's hugging herself.

TABITHACan you do something for me? Watchover Daddy tonight. Okay? Wherever heis, just make sure he's safe. Can youdo that for me?

MICHAEL (O.S.)Mommy?

Tabitha quickly wipes her face.

68.

TABITHAHey. You ready to go to the treelighting?

Michael nods.

TABITHAWell, I'll get my jacket and we'll go.

MICHAELMommy, who were you talking to?

Tabitha freezes, then smiles. Michael returns it. He knowsexactly who she was talking to.

EXT. TOWN SQUARE - NIGHT

MAIN STREET closed off. Lots of PEOPLE mingling. It's acelebratory mood. Hot cider in styrofoam cups.

A crowd surrounds a table of cookies -- Gayle's cookies.

And here's Gayle, proud smile, making the rounds. Sheapproaches JOE DUGAN and his wife MARY, both of whom havecookies and cider.

GAYLEHey! How are you?

MARYGood, good. How's the salon?

GAYLEYou know, you know. So, how're thecookies?

Joe opens his mouth to say something, then stops.

MARYOh, great.

(just above a whisper)Did Tabitha make these?

69.

GAYLEWell, yes and no. Actually, no. I madethem. I helped her out. You know, witheverything going on and all.

MARYRight, right. They're wonderful.

GAYLE(puffs out her chest)

Thanks, doll. Enjoy the lighting!

Mary studies the cookie as Gayle saunters away.

MARYNow, that makes sense.

JOEI don't think she used baking soda.

INT. SANTA'S WORKSHOP - FACTORY - NIGHT

Dale slumps at his work station, putting the finishing toucheson a train. He's spent. It's noticeable.

The factory is still bustling, only now, Elves are carting andloading. Toys are boxed and wheeled out the door, ready fordelivery.

Dale sighs, places his final piece of handiwork in a box athis feet. When he lifts his head, it's Jervis he sees.

INT. CAR (MOVING) - NIGHT

Tabitha and Michael. Both are silent.

Tabitha stops the car.

MICHAELWhat?

A beat.

70.

TABITHAMichael, I just want you to know thatno matter what happens, that even ifyour father doesn't come home tonight,that he loves you. He loves you...

(she wipes a tear)You've been so brave through all ofthis. I love you so much, my boy, andI don't want to disappoint you. You'reso much like your father, you knowthat?

Michael hugs her. Tabitha returns the embrace with every ounceof energy she has, holding on because she doesn't want to lethim go. Not ever.

MICHAELMommy, we don't have to go to the treelighting if you don't want to. We canjust go home. We can go home and lookat our tree. And maybe open a present.

Tabitha laughs through her tears.

TABITHAOkay, honey. We can do that.

EXT. TOWN SQUARE - NIGHT

Gayle still making the rounds. Undetected, she approaches atrio of PEOPLE as they speak.

WOMAN #1Who made these cookies?

WOMAN #2I heard it was Gayle.

MAN #1What does she know about baking?

WOMAN #1Clearly not much.

71.

Gayle inches away, horrified. She looks around, and it allbecomes evident: The looks on people's faces as they taste,then discard, her cookies.

Sulking, she moves silently to the cookie table, where DENNISand ABIGAIL SIMPSON sample the treats.

DENNISOh, hi, Gayle.

GAYLE(aggravated)

Hi.

ABIGAILHave you tried these cookies yet?

Gayle suddenly brightens.

GAYLEWhy? You like them?

ABIGAILNo, they're awful.

GAYLEOh.

DENNISTabitha couldn't have made these.

ABIGAILThen who?

DENNISThat's a good question. I knowTabitha's going through a rough patch,but sheesh! You think it was MarjorieFreeman?

ABIGAILNo, definitely not her. Her baking'sbad, but not this bad.

72.

DENNISWhat about Harriet Finster?

ABIGAILOoh! Yes. That woman can't bake for--

GAYLEI made them!

You could hear a pin drop. Gayle gives each of them the evileye, holds it a beat, and storms off into the crowd.

EXT. SANTA'S WORKSHOP - NIGHT

Day's last light hanging by a thread. The lights from Santa'sworkshop dazzle in the afterglow, like something only achild's mind could conjure.

INT. SANTA'S WORKSHOP - FACTORY - NIGHT

Dale where we left him, silently watching as the remainingElves clear the floor.

Jervis shakes hands with Dale.

JERVISIt's been a pleasure, Dale.

Dale's confused.

JERVISYes, you're finally going home.

DALEI'm not quite sure what to say.

JERVISDon't say anything. But, considerthis-- The work you put in is gonnamake a whole lot of kids happyChristmas morning.

Dale ponders this, and it produces a smile.

73.

SANTA (O.S.)Dale!

Santa strides in, and now he actually looks like the manhimself -- The black boots. The red suit. The whole nine.

SANTABoy, we sure are going to miss you.You were really beasting it up good.

Dale laughs, shakes his head.

SANTAWell, I'd love to stay and shoot thebreeze, but...

(taps his watch)I got a schedule to keep.

DALEUnderstood. Oh, and, I'm sorry aboutwhat happened earlier.

SANTABroken toys can be fixed, Dale.

DALEYou take care of yourself.

SANTAYou too, Dale. You, too.

Santa and Jervis go to leave, when Santa turns around.

SANTAOh, someone else wants to say goodbye.

And in walks...

DALEButter.

EXT. TOWN SQUARE - NIGHT

Selectman Gary approaches the podium. He taps the mic, there'ssome scratchy feedback, then:

74.

GARYWelcome, everyone, to our thirty-seventh annual tree lighting!

A smattering of applause.

In the crowd is Gayle, still a tad agitated. However, thatdissipates quickly as she slides up to JOAN JOHNSON.

GAYLEJoanie, have you seen Tabitha?

Joan shakes her head. On to MISSES RANDOLPH.

It's another NO as Selectman Gary drones on in the b.g.

Gayle stands on tip-toes, trying to get a better look. Shedoesn't see Tabitha or Michael anywhere.

With that, she rushes the stage and interrupts Gary mid-sentence. He covers the microphone.

GAYLETabitha's not here.

GARYWhat?

A beat as Gary thinks, then--

GARYYou don't suppose it's because no oneliked her cookies, do you?

If looks could kill.

GAYLENo.

INT. SANTA'S WORKSHOP - FACTORY - NIGHT

Butter hands Dale a fire engine. The one he smashed. It's asgood as new.

75.

DALEYou fixed it, didn't you?

BUTTER FINGERTold you I was good at making toys.

Dale places the toy into the box with the rest.

DALEThank you.

BUTTER FINGERDon't mention it.

There's something else. Butter gives Dale an envelope.

BUTTER FINGERI just wanted to give you this beforeyou left.

The envelope is marked: DO NOT OPEN TILL CHRISTMAS.

DALEWhat is this?

BUTTER FINGERIt's from all of us. I can't tell youwhat's inside, but you might find ithelpful going forward.

Dale taps the envelope in his free hand.

DALEThanks, Butter.

BUTTER FINGERWell, I better let you go. I'm sureyou're anxious to get on your way.

Suddenly, Dale doesn't seem all that anxious.

BUTTER FINGERWhat is it?

76.

DALEYou know, I never did tell you whathappened to my daughter.

BUTTER FINGERDale, it's okay.

DALENo, I want to tell you. You see, I wasdriving the day it happened. I'dpicked her up early from school...

INT. CAR (MOVING) - FLASHBACK - DAY

Dale driving, Emily next to him. Snow on the ground as thesunlight flashes across their faces.

DALEHow was school, honey?

EMILYIt was good.

DALE (V.O.)We were going Christmas shopping. Shewanted to buy her mother this necklaceshe'd seen.

Emily flips the pages of a catalog.

EMILYHere it is, Daddy.

Emily's little finger points at a dainty necklace with a blue,snowflake pendant.

DALEOh, that's really nice. I thinkMommy's gonna love that.

EXT. CAR (MOVING) - SAME

From overhead, Dale's car heads into town.

77.

DALE (V.O.)I was stopped at a light. It turnedgreen, and bam. We never even knewwhat hit us.

END FLASHBACK

INT. SANTA'S WORKSHOP - FACTORY - NIGHT

DALEI woke up later in the hospital.Tabitha was there. I didn't rememberwhat happened at first, but then...then it all became clear.

Butter lowers his head.

DALEI didn't see it coming.

BUTTER FINGERYou think you should have?

DALEYes. But I didn't. Why didn't I?

BUTTER FINGERWe never see it coming, Dale. That'swhy living life after it is so hard.It changes you. Just like it changedme.

DALEI don't understand.

BUTTER FINGERWell, if I'd never had my mishap, Iwouldn't be here with you, would I?

DALEYou wouldn't be cleaning up reindeerpoop, either.

78.

BUTTER FINGER(smiles)

Good point. But that's not all I do.Sometimes, just sometimes, I get to dothings not many others can.

Butter slowly backs away, revealing the last straggler Elvescleaning up, clearing out.

INT. DALE'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

The tree is lit, save for that one broken strand of bulbs.Christmas music plays in the b.g.

Suddenly, those broken lights flicker on.

Michael comes in holding a plate of cookies and milk.

TABITHAYou know those cookies are for Santa,don't you?

MICHAEL(mouth full)

I know.

Then, a sound. Like SINGING. Low at first, then it rises.

TABITHAJust leave that on the table, hon.

She turns, but Michael's not there. He's at the window.

MICHAELMommy?

TABITHAYes?

MICHAELThere's a bunch of people on our lawn.

Tabitha gets up, slightly unnerved. She touches his shoulder,glances down, then looks for herself.

79.

EXT. DALE'S HOUSE - NIGHT

The front yard is jam packed with everyone from the treelighting. Everyone is singing. Caroling, to be precise.

Gayle stands out front, leading the chorus.

The front door opens. Tabitha and Michael step out. She coversher mouth, unsure how to respond.

She smiles as Selectman Gary trots over.

GARYWhen we found out you weren't at thelighting we made a slight change ofplans.

Tabitha tears up.

TABITHAThank you.

GARYNo. Thank her.

Gayle comes over, takes Tabitha's hands in hers.

GAYLEMerry Christmas, honey.

(to Michael)You too, sweet pea.

INT. SANTA'S WORKSHOP - FACTORY - NIGHT

Butter backs away, a strange little smile on his Elven face.

Dale turns, perplexed, and once again sees the last few Elvesreadying to leave the room.

And that's when it hits him.

Among the remaining Elves is one who looks a bit different.She's seated at a desk, drawing with a crayon. Smaller thanthe rest, she has a twinkle in her eyes and a smile as pure asan infant's slumber.

80.

This is EMILY.

Butter slides out the open door where Santa awaits. He putshis arm around the ELf, and together they leave.

Dale's heart is in his throat. Everything - all of it - wasleading to this. This one moment. And now that it's here, hehas no idea what to do.

Except to slowly walk to his daughter, where he hovers overher like a nervous school boy.

DALEHi.

She looks up from her drawing.

EMILYHi, Daddy.

DALE(choking back tears)

What are you doing here?

EMILYDrawing a picture for you.

He pulls up a seat. The picture is of a little house sittingamong green trees, backed by blue skies and a yellow sun.

DALEThat's a beautiful drawing, honey.

EMILYThanks. Mommy's worried about you, youknow? Michael, too.

DALEShe-- How do you know?

EMILYShe told me.

DALEYou talk to Mommy?

81.

EMILYMmm hmm. And Michael.

DALEDo you... Do you ever talk to me?

Emily smiles, looks at him with her sweet eyes.

EMILYI'm talking to you right now.

Dale timidly tucks some of her loose hair behind her ear.

DALEYeah, I guess you are.

(pauses, then)Emily...

Her face brightens.

EMILYCan we go ice skating?

EXT. CHRISTMASVILLE - TOWN SQUARE - NIGHT

The sheened ice reflects the multi-colored lights from theChristmas tree.

Dale and Emily skate together. Dale, not the best skater,holds onto Emily for balance.

EMILYIt's like walking, Daddy. But, youknow, on ice. It's easy.

DALEMaybe if I was Michelle Kwan.

EXT. BENCH - LATER

Emily and Dale unlace their skates.

DALEYour mom is a pretty good skater. Iguess that's why I never went much.

(MORE)

82.

DALE (cont'd)'Cause I was so bad at it.

EMILYIt's okay. I don't mind.

The night is all around them. The cold, still air. The warmglow of the town. The Father in Dale slowly returning, if ithad ever left at all.

DALEWhat do you want to do now?

Emily grins.

EXT. CHRISTMASVILLE - NIGHT

In a clearing, Dale pushes a large lump of snow -- the bottomhalf of a snowman.

Emily looks on with delight, then gazes skyward.

DALEI'm gonna need your help, young lady.

SERIES:

- Together, they complete the snowman.

- Emily sets coal for it's eyes.

- Dale places a carrot for a nose.

They stand back and look at it.

DALEWhat do you think?

Hands on her hips, Emily studies the snowman.

EMILYIt needs something.

83.

EXT. CHRISTMASVILLE - MAIN STREET - NIGHT

A MAN, SCROOGE-like in appearance, huddles against Winter'schill as he makes his way down the street when--

A gust of wind blows the TOP HAT from his head and...

EXT. CHRISTMASVILLE - NIGHT

Right into Emily's hands. She places it atop snowman's head.

EMILYThere. That's better,

Dale takes the hat and tries it on. He bows.

DALEThat's a fine looking snowman, indeed,my lady.

Emily giggles.

A snowflake tumbles through the air and lands on the frostyground. Another follows.

Dale marvels.

DALEHow perfect can this get?

He looks at her, and notices the smile she'd worn just momentsago has turned bittersweet.

Dale goes to her, drops to one knee.

DALEWhat is it?

He looks in her eyes, and somehow he knows the answer.

DALEYou have to go.

She nods.

84.

Dale pulls her in tight. He doesn't want this night to end.Doesn't want to let her go. Not again. Not ever.

DALEEmily... Emily. I'm sorry. I'm so, sosorry.

EMILYIt wasn't your fault, Daddy.

DALENo. It was. It was all my fault.

She shakes her head.

EMILYIt wasn't anyone's fault. But it'sokay to be sad, Daddy. It's okay tomiss me. I miss you, too.

Snow falling at a steady pace now. Dale holds her tight, andshuts his eyes as she kisses his cheek.

DALEWill I ever see you again?

A big, happy smile flashes across her face as she puts herhand in his.

EMILYBye, Daddy.

DALEGoodbye, sweetheart.

She trots off, turns to wave. A gust of wind swirls, and shedisappears through the snowflakes. Like magic.

Dale's frozen breath hangs in the air. He gets to his feet,and he's all alone. Just him and the snowman.

He places the top hat back on the snowman's head.

DALELooks better on you anyway.

85.

Dale turns, takes one last look around. God, was this all adream? He steps forward, then notices something on the ground.He picks it up.

It's a MITTEN. Little girl-sized. He smells it, smiles, andlooks into the dark of the night. He pockets the mitten, takesanother step and--

His foot catches on a tree root, and -- WHUMP! -- he faceplants in the snow.

EXT. SNOWY FIELD - NIGHT

Dale, face down in the snow. He lifts his head. It's quiet anddark, yet oddly familiar.

Several feet away, he recognizes a shape covered with freshpowder -- his CAR.

He bolts up, almost comes crashing down again. His limp isback. He brushes the snow from his car, finds the door handleand opens it.

Inside, it's just how he left it.

He reaches in and grabs the shopping bags.

He catches his reflection in the rearview mirror. The gash onhis head has returned.

Dale pumps his fist in the air, and lets out a YAWP!

He traverses through the snow until he reaches the edge of thefield, dense with brush. It's the embankment.

He climbs, and immediately grabs his ankle. This is gonna betough. He gets down on all fours and begins to crawl.

Branches snap under his weight. His bare hands are freezing.Running on pure adrenaline now. Halfway to the top. There's noturning back.

He grunts. The shopping bags drag behind. He can almost seethe busted guard rail. One more step. Another.

86.

Dale reaches the top and splays out on the shoulder of theroad. Out of breath. Exhausted. Exhilarated.

He manages to get to his feet when -- SPLASH!

A car WHOOSHES past and sprays him with mud. It jams on it'sbrakes. It's a POLICE CRUISER.

The door opens and out steps Shirley Hastings.

SHIRLEYHoly smokes! Are you okay?

She races over with no idea who this man is yet.

SHIRLEYMister, I'm so sorry. What in theworld are you doing out here?

DALEAre you--are you an angel?

SHIRLEYYeah, right. No. I'm. Wait. Dale!

DALEHuh?

SHIRLEYJeez Louise! Dale, is that you?!

He wipes mud from his face.

DALELast time I checked.

Shirley nearly jumps on him.

SHIRLEYOh, my gosh! Dale! You have no idea.We've been looking all over for you.Holy smokes! Come with me.

She helps him to the cruiser.

87.

DALEShirley, where's my wife? Where'sMichael? Are they okay?

SHIRLEYThey're fine. Worried sick, but fine.They're at the tree lighting. If wehurry we'll make it just in time.

Dale stops.

DALEIt's Christmas Eve?

SHIRLEYYes, it's Christmas Eve.

DALEThen let's go.

Shirley opens the passenger door, and forcefully shoves Dale'shead down into the car.

DALE (O.S.)Ow.

SHIRLEYSorry. Habit.

INT. POLICE CRUISER - NIGHT

Driving along a darkened road.

SHIRLEYDale, you know I gotta ask.

DALEShirley, even if I could find a way toput it into words, I still don't thinkyou'd believe me. Actually, I know youwouldn't.

She glances Dale's way. Smirks. Well, actually...

88.

EXT. TOWN - NIGHT

The cruiser rolls through a railroad crossing and into town.Everything is dark. Even the Christmas tree isn't lit.

INT. POLICE CRUISER - NIGHT

SHIRLEYWhat the? Where is everyone?

She pulls the car over and gets out.

EXT. TOWN SQUARE - NIGHT

She throws her hands up. This isn't right. Just then, her vestradio crackles.

RICK (RADIO)You're the town selectman, you oughttaknow what we should sing next.

A chorus of JINGLE BELLS comes through her vest radio. Shirleypresses the button.

SHIRLEYRick? Rick?

RICK (RADIO)Oh, hey, Shirley. Over.

SHIRLEYRick, where are you? Where iseveryone? And what happened to thetree lighting?

RICK (RADIO)Oh, we're all here caroling at Mrs.Leith's house. Over.

Dale mouths the word "what," but Shirley shakes her head.

SHIRLEYAll right. Look. Stay right where youare. I got him, Rick. I got him!

89.

RICK (RADIO)Got who?

SHIRLEYDale, you banana. I found Dale.

RICK (RADIO)Oh, geez! Wow! Well, get down here.And don't let him out of your sight!Over.

SHIRLEY(turns to the car)

I won't. Ov--

The door is open. Dale's gone. Again.

Shirley scans the street. She spots him. Dale's running. Heturns a corner with his shopping bags.

She hops in the cruiser and hits the emergency lights.

EXT. RESIDENTIAL STREET - NIGHT

Dale's ankle is killing him, but that doesn't matter. He'salmost home.

Shirley's cruiser, lights flashing, pulls up next to Dale. Sherolls down the window.

SHIRLEYDale, what are you doing? Get in.

He turns to her, out of breath, and grins.

DALEDon't worry about it. I'm almost home.

He speeds up and charges ahead.

EXT. DALE'S HOUSE - NIGHT

The caroling continues on the jam packed lawn. It's thecelebration they didn't have in town.

90.

On the front porch, Tabitha passes out her cookies.

Michael raises his head, and steps off the porch. He sensessomething the others don't. He slowly makes his way throughthe crowd. When he hits the street, his eyes light up.

MICHAELDaddy!

Dale's coming down the road, shopping bags bouncing. When hesees Michael, he runs even faster.

DALEMichael!

Michael jumps into his father's arms. The lights from thehouses, the falling snow - it swirls together as they embrace.

MICHAELI knew you'd come back, Daddy. I knewyou'd come back for Christmas.

They hold each other like it's the first time, or the last,they'd ever done so.

Shirley's cruiser follows, it's blue and red lights pulsing inthe night.

DALE'S HOUSE - FRONT PORCH

GAYLEWhat's got Shirley all in a huff?

Tabitha cranes her neck to see.

TABITHADon't know.

Michael tugs at his Mom's coat, but she doesn't notice. Hetugs harder.

TABITHAWhat, honey?

91.

MICHAELDaddy's home.

TABITHAThat's nice. Wait. What--

Dale steps out from behind Selectman Gary

DALEHe said, 'Daddy's home.'

Tabitha covers her mouth, eyes wide with surprise. She backsup a few steps into Gayle.

GAYLETold you so.

(pushes Tabitha)What are you waiting for?

Tabitha shrieks with joy, throws her arms around Dale andburies her face in his chest.

The crowd CHEERS. Cups are raised, hi-fives exchanged. Anotherchorus of Christmas music breaks out.

Tabitha pulls away, her cheeks red and tear-stained.

TABITHAIs it really you, Dale?

DALELast time I checked.

Dale puts his arm around his wife, and looks out on thetownspeople as the serenade continues. Then...

He checks his coat pockets. They're empty. He looks up.

DALE(softly)

Emily's mitten is gone.

TABITHAWhat did you say?

92.

He shakes his head, and smiles.

DALENothing. Just...thinking out loud.

Suddenly, he reaches into his jeans pocket. This time he pullsout an envelope.

DO NOT OPEN TILL CHRISTMAS.

Dale seems surprised that it's really there. He tears it open,and reads it.

After a moment, he folds the note and puts it back in hispocket.

DALEOkay.

He gazes out to the crowd once more. Through the sea ofpeople, the lights and all the chatter, a SMALL MAN incivilian clothes quietly ambles by.

The small man catches Dale's eye, gives him a WINK. Then, likemagic, disappears into the cluster of people.

Dale smiles wearily, yet warm and contented. It's the firsttrue happiness he's felt in a while. He turns to Michael, thento Tabitha as...

The caroling continues.

EXT. MAIN STREET - DAY

It's a warm day. The leaves on the trees are Springtime green.

TITLE: SOME MONTHS LATER

Moving past the shops along Main Street. The luncheonette,Sal's hardware store, and...

LEITH WOODWORKING

No longer boarded, it's occupied and open for business.

93.

INT. LEITH WOODWORKING - DAY

Wearing an apron, Dale returns from the back room. He slipsoff his goggles and peers over Tabitha's shoulder at acomputer screen.

DALEDid that order just come in?

TABITHAYep. Mr. Madsen needs it ASAP.

DALEYeah, well, we better slow down on thespecial orders. I'm gonna have myhands full pretty soon.

Tabitha picks up a piece of paper, and casts a suspiciousglare at Dale.

TABITHAAre you referring to this anonymousinvoice?

Dale's quiet for a moment.

DALEUh huh.

TABITHA(reading the invoice)

Four thousand toy trains, two thousandpolice cars and...

(squints)...three thousand fire engines? Dale,who in the world would order this?

DALENo one from this world.

She puts the invoice down.

TABITHAOh, hey, I almost forgot.

94.

She reaches down and retrieves an old PAINTING, its woodenframe chipped and dusty.

TABITHAI found this in with some of yourfather's things.

Dale takes the painting from her, and studies it closely.

INSERT: PAINTING

A Winter scene of a young BOY ice skating. A majesticCHRISTMAS TREE sits near a frozen pond, and...

A MAN in a RED PLAID coat leans against a wooden fence,watching on.

BACK TO SCENE

Dale blinks several times. He looks to the bottom corner ofthe painting, brushes off some soot with his thumb and findsthe name: STAN LIVINGSTON.

TABITHA(off Dale)

Dale? What's wrong? You look likeyou've just seen a ghost.

Dale wears a crooked grin. He places the painting up against awall behind the counter.

DALEWhat do you think? We'll put it righthere.

TABITHAFine by me.

Dale puts the painting down, kisses Tabitha on the cheek andheads back into the work room.

We come back to the painting, that familiar Winter scene, andfocus in on the man in the red coat.

95.

DALE (O.S.)Hey, Michael?

MICHAEL (O.S.)Yeah, Dad?

DALE (O.S.)Wanna learn how to build some trains?

FADE OUT.